Rock Springs Run State Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock Springs Run State Reserve |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Location in Florida
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| Location | Lake County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Sorrento, Florida |
| Area | 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is a huge natural area in Florida, USA. It's like a giant outdoor playground covering about 14,000-acre (5,700 ha). That's bigger than 10,000 football fields! You can find it about 30 miles (48 km) north of Orlando, near a town called Sorrento.
This special reserve stretches across Lake, Orange, and Seminole Counties. It's a place where you can explore Florida's amazing nature. You'll find ancient Indian mounds, tall pine forests, wet swamps, and cool artesian springs. Many creeks and rivers flow through it, like Seminole Creek, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and the Wekiva River.
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What You Can Do at Rock Springs Run
There are so many fun things to do at Rock Springs Run State Reserve! It's a great place to get outside and explore.
- Bicycling: Ride your bike along the trails and see the beautiful scenery.
- Hiking: Walk through the different habitats and discover hidden spots.
- Paddling: Go canoeing or kayaking on the calm waters of the runs and rivers. You can even rent canoes and kayaks there!
- Horseback Riding: Explore the trails on horseback for a unique adventure.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes open for amazing animals.
- Swimming and Tubing: Cool off in the clear waters of Rock Springs Run.
The park has about 17 miles (27 km) of trails for you to explore. You can also find special camping spots for canoes and horses. The reserve is open every day from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Amazing Animals You Might See
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is home to many different animals. It's a great place to see Florida's wildlife up close.
- Florida Black Bear: These large bears live in the forests.
- Florida Scrub-Jay: A special bird found only in Florida's scrub habitats.
- Sandhill Crane: Tall, graceful birds often seen in open areas.
- Indigo Snake: A long, shiny black snake that is not venomous.
- Gopher Tortoise: These tortoises dig big burrows that other animals use for shelter.
Remember to always keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed the animals.
Rock Springs Run Paddling Trail
Rock Springs Run is part of Florida's Wekiva River/Rock Springs Run Designated Paddling Trail. A "designated paddling trail" means it's a special route set aside for canoes and kayaks. It's a great way to explore the waterways.
This part of the trail is about 9 miles long. It starts at Kings Landing in Apopka. From there, it flows through the Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Finally, it joins the Wekiva River, not far from Wekiwa Springs State Park. It's a beautiful journey by water!
Images for kids
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Check Station
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Main car road, looking south
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Main car road, looking north
